Mary Suhm ('74 M.S., '84 M.B.A.)
Dallas

Best thing about being Dallas city manager:
The wide variety of fascinating people I interacted with — city employees, elected officials, Dallas residents — all committed, involved and energetic about striving to­ make Dallas a great place to live, ­­work and play.

Career advice for graduates:
Don't do anything that limits your options. It isn't imperative that you follow a traditional path — not every career move has to be a promotion. Plan the next two steps, not the next 10 steps, and keep your options open. Disappointments, in retrospect, are frequently the best growth opportunity.

Importance of work ethic:
A strong work ethic, next to persistence, is the most critical element of success.

Favorite place in Denton:
The Square

Books I love to read:
I'm an avid reader and for leisure I read murder mysteries. Maybe I will try my hand at a "city hall" murder mystery one day.

What people would be surprised to know about me:
I'm not very surprising at all.

Plans for the future:
Working in an arena that I enjoy and to which I am committed; traveling with family.